A. The State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners is hereby re-created, to continue until July 1, 2020, in accordance with the provisions of the Oklahoma Sunset Law, to regulate and enforce the practice of veterinary medicine in this state in accordance with the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.

B. 1. The duty of determining a person's initial and continuing qualification and fitness for the practice of veterinary medicine, of proceeding against the unlawful and unlicensed practice of veterinary medicine and of enforcing the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act is hereby delegated to the Board. That duty shall be discharged in accordance with the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act and other applicable statutes.

2.a.It is necessary that the powers conferred on the Board by the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act be construed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people of this state.

b.No member of the Board, acting in that capacity or as a member of any Board committee, shall participate in the making of any decision or the taking of any action affecting such member's own personal, professional or pecuniary interest, or that of a person related to the member within the third degree by consanguinity, marriage or adoption or of a business or professional associate.

c.With advice of legal counsel, the Board shall adopt and annually review a conflict of interest policy to enforce the provisions of the Oklahoma Veterinary Practice Act.

C. The practice of veterinary medicine is a privilege granted by the people of this state acting through their elected representatives. It is not a natural right of individuals. In the interest of the public, and to protect the public, it is necessary to provide laws and rules to govern the granting and subsequent use of the privilege to practice veterinary medicine. The primary responsibility and obligation of the Board is to protect the public from the unprofessional, improper, incompetent and unlawful practice of veterinary medicine.

D. The liability of any member or employee of the Board acting within the scope of Board duties or employment shall be governed by The Governmental Tort Claims Act.

Added by Laws 1971, c. 126, § 3, emerg. eff. May 4, 1971. Amended by Laws 1982, c. 32, § 1, emerg. eff. March 26, 1982; Laws 1988, c. 225, § 12; Laws 1990, c. 314, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1994, c. 112, § 1, eff. July 1, 1994; Laws 1999, c. 94, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2000, c. 89, § 1; Laws 2006, c. 48, § 1; Laws 2012, c. 60, § 1; Laws 2014, c. 353, § 1.